Active Listener, a Lightspeed Podcast

Hosted by Dominique Johnson-Lindsay, The Active Listener Podcast by Lightspeed amplifies the voices shaping K-12 education. Each episode features conversations with district leaders, educators or K-12 stakeholders working to improve schools and classrooms alongside evolving echnology and teaching methods evolve.Whether you’re an educator seeking inspiration, an administrator navigating change, or simply passionate about the future of learning, The Active Listener podcast is for you.

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Episodes 33

Prepared, Not Afraid: A Conversation on School Safety with Pat Hamilton
1mo ago · 49:47
In this episode of Active Listener, Dominique Johnson-Lindsay sits down with Pat Hamilton, Alliance Director at the I Love U Guys Foundation, to explore what it truly means to create safe school communities. Together, they discuss why effective school safety extends far beyond emergency response, the importance of building a culture of preparedness without creating fear, and how clear communication, collaboration, and practiced protocols help schools respond confidently to everyday challenges and critical incidents alike. Pat also shares how the Foundation's mission to "protect the joy of yout
Preparing Students for a World We Can't Predict: A Conversation With Dr. Annalies Corbin
1mo ago · 40:18
What does it mean to prepare students for a world we can't predict? In this episode of Active Listener, Dominique Johnson-Lindsay sits down with Dr. Annalies Corbin, Founder and CEO of the PAST Foundation, to explore why curiosity, confidence, communication, and real-world problem solving matter more than ever. Together, they discuss how educators can create meaningful learning experiences, embrace productive failure, and use technology as a tool, not a replacement for human connection, to help every learner thrive in an ever-changing world. Resources: PAST Foundation Hacking School: Five Stra
Purposeful Technology In Schools: A Conversation With Jesse Lubinsky
2mo ago · 44:22
As technology continues to evolve, how can schools ensure innovation serves learning rather than distracting from it? In this episode of Active Listener, Dominique Johnson-Lindsay sits down with Jesse Lubinsky, Principal Education Evangelist at Adobe, former educator, administrator, and author to explore the role of purposeful technology in today's classrooms. Jesse shares practical insights on how educators can embrace emerging tools while keeping students at the center of the learning experience. Together, they discuss the opportunities, challenges, and responsibilities that come with innova
Teaching With Heart, Leading With Backbone: A Conversation With Alex Schmitt and Nicole Schmitt
3mo ago · 37:44
In this episode of Active Listener, Dominique Johnson-Lindsay sits down with married educators Alex and Nicole Schmitt for a heartfelt conversation about what it takes to keep showing up for students with both heart and backbone. Together, they reflect on the realities of teaching, the importance of student voice, the power of meaningful connection, and the ways school systems can better listen to and support the educators closest to the work. From navigating COVID-era challenges to sustaining purpose in a demanding profession, this conversation is a reminder that great teaching is built on re
True Classroom Management Is Relationship Management: A Conversation With Dena McNeal
4mo ago · 31:06
In this episode of Active Listener, Dominique sits down with Dena McNeal, a middle school assistant principal with over 20 years of experience, to explore how relationships, routines, and consistency shape effective classroom management.Dena shares practical strategies for setting expectations, supporting teachers, and balancing accountability with care while emphasizing that respect is built through connection, not control.At its core, this conversation is a reminder that when students feel seen and supported, classrooms become spaces where both behavior and learning can thrive.
Music, Listening, and The Brain: A Conversation With Jessica Phillips-Silver
5mo ago · 42:48
What does listening actually require, and what can music teach us about how the brain learns? In this episode of Active Listener, Dominique sits down with Dr. Jessica Phillips-Silver, a music neuroscientist, speaker, and artistic creator whose work explores how rhythm shapes attention, regulation, and human connection. Together, they unpack Jessica’s ARC framework of listening - attention, regulation, and connection - and explore why sound environment, movement, and music education are essential to learning. Jessica also shares how her Finding Rhythm project brings neuroscience, culture, and m
The Impact of Career and Technical Education: A Conversation With Dr. Joe Jones and Dr. TJ Vari
5mo ago · 55:03
In this episode of Active Listener, Dominique sits down with Dr. TJ Vari and Joe Jones, co-founders of TheSchoolHouse302 and experienced education leaders, to discuss how schools can rethink student success through skills, career and technical education (CTE), and real-world learning. Together, they explore why durable skills like communication, critical thinking, and adaptability are essential for preparing students for the future of work. Resources: TheSchoolHouse302 Maia Learning Books by Dr. Joe Jones & Dr. TJ Vari Lightspeed Classroom Audio
Inclusion In Action: A Conversation With Brittany Hebert and Amy Salera
6mo ago · 39:40
On this episode of Active Listener, Dominique sits down with Brittany Hebert, Director of Pupil Services at Provident Charter School, and Amy Salera, parent of a Provident student and Community Engagement Manager at Apraxia Kids. They explore how Provident supports students with dyslexia through UDL practices, targeted interventions, and strong family collaboration, plus how Lightspeed classroom audio helps reduce auditory barriers and improve access for all learners. Resources Provident Charter School Apraxia Kids International Dyslexia Association (IDA) Orton-Gillingham Academy
Listening Beyond the Classroom: A Conversation With Tiffany Jordan
6mo ago · 30:21
What does it take to keep great teachers in the classroom, and what happens when we widen the lens beyond school walls? In this episode of Active Listener, Dominique sits down with Tiffany Jordan, a former recruitment and retention leader and Teach For America alumna whose work spans education, policy, and community empowerment. Tiffany unpacks what’s often misunderstood about the craft of teaching, why teachers leave, and what systems can do right now to improve retention. The conversation also explores how housing instability and students’ lived experiences show up in learning and focus, and
A New Definition of Student Success: A Conversation With Dr. Andrea Trotter
7mo ago · 33:26
What does student success really look like in today's classrooms? On this episode of Active Listener, Dominique Johnson-Lindsay sits down with Dr. Andrea Trotter, assistant principal at Monticello High School, to explore a new definition of student achievement. Dr. Trotter makes the case for alternative education pathways and student-centered leadership that creates space for learners who don't thrive in traditional systems - and she doesn't shy away from the importance of soft skills and career readiness in getting them there. The conversation digs into post-COVID learning recovery and what i
From Insight To Action: Season 3 Intro With Host Dominique Johnson-Lindsay
7mo ago · 6:01
Season 3 kicks off with host Dominique Johnson-Lindsay reflecting on why The Active Listener exists, what Season 2 taught us, and why communication and connection sit at the heart of education. From students feeling heard to leaders leading with compassion and understanding, the themes were clear across every conversation. This season is all about turning those insights into action and continuing Lightspeed’s mission of helping every student hear every word. Find Dominique on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/djohnsonlindsay See all the podcast episodes: https://active-listener.lightspeed-
Experiencing Aha Moments As An Education Leader: A Conversation With Sharyn D'Eon
8mo ago · 27:38
In this episode of Active Listener, host Dominique Johnson-Lindsay sits down with Sharyn D'Eon, principal of Chesterfield Elementary School in rural New Hampshire. Sharyn shares how her community-driven K–8 school uses shared leadership, outdoor learning, and Lightspeed classroom audio to reduce vocal strain, minimize distractions, and create clearer, more equitable listening environments for every learner. She also discusses the evolving role of technology, why flexible learning pathways matter, and how schools can start building strong culture with the resources they already have. This conve
Enhancing Instructional Strategy with Technology: A conversation with Dr. Matthew Woods
9mo ago · 46:50
In this episode of The Active Listener by Lightspeed, Dominique speaks with Dr. Matthew Woods - deputy superintendent, lifelong educator, and podcaster- about the powerful relationship between strong instructional strategy and the technology that supports it. Dr. Woods shares how his early experiences shaped his path into education, what he learned transitioning from teacher to administrator, and why the most effective instructional practices remain grounded in timeless fundamentals even as classrooms evolve.Together, they discuss how leaders can scale high-quality instruction, build genuine t
Grounding School Culture in Student Voice: A Conversation With Dr. Lisa Dailey
11mo ago · 21:55
Host Dominique Johnson-Lindsay sits down with Dr. Lisa Dailey, an Oregon middle school principal with 17 years in education, to explore what it really takes to support students during the most overlooked years in K–12. Dr. Dailey shares her path from math teacher to school leader, her doctoral research centering at-risk middle school youth, and why universal screeners, student voice, and family input must shape campus priorities. They dig into embedding SEL beyond a 20-minute lesson, building true belonging, and preparing brains to learn — especially when trauma walks in the door. Dr. Dailey a
Connecting Trust to School Safety: A Conversation With Craig Straw
1y ago · 37:26
In this episode of the Active Listener Podcast, host Dominique Johnson-Lindsay speaks with Craig Straw, Director of Safety and Emergency Management at Houston ISD, the eighth-largest school district in the nation. With over 30 years of military and emergency management experience, Craig shares how a “people-first” mindset, mental health awareness, and early intervention form the foundation of effective school safety. Listen in as Craig discusses why readiness is a daily practice, the importance of building trusted relationships, and how technology can serve as a force multiplier when integrate
Challenging The Safety-Education Landscape: A Conversation With John McDonald
1y ago · 47:21
Join host Dominique Johnson-Lindsay as she sits down with school safety expert John McDonald, COO of the Council for School Safety Leadership, to explore how schools can create safer environments through trusted relationships, proactive culture, and effective technology. From his “Stop the Prop” initiative to preparing for emerging AI-driven threats, John offers real-world strategies that help educators, leaders, and communities ensure every student feels secure and ready to learn. Drawing on decades of experience, including responding to seven school shootings, John shares lessons on engaging
Learning With An Entrepreneurial Mindset: A Conversation With Katy Kollasch
1y ago · 36:36
In this inspiring episode of The Active Listener Podcast, host Dominique Johnson-Lindsay sits down with Katy Kollasch, Chief Entrepreneur and Change Agent at the Venture Academy of Leadership and Entrepreneurship (VALE) in Parker, Colorado. With over two decades in education and an international teaching background, Katy shares her remarkable journey from the UK to founding a groundbreaking high school model in the U.S. Katy unpacks the vision behind VALE and its mission to cultivate students with entrepreneurial mindsets, preparing them for both the world that exists today and the one we can’
Teaching Like They're Yours: A Conversation With Regina Johnson
1y ago · 17:02
In this episode of the Active Listener Podcast, host Dominique Johnson-Lindsey welcomes a special guest—her mother, Regina Johnson, a first-grade teacher and Navy veteran. Regina shares her journey from military service to teaching and how she balances discipline and fun in her classroom. Drawing connections between parenting and teaching, Regina emphasizes small group learning, active listening, and the significance of technology, including her experience with the Lightspeed Redcat system. This conversation sheds light on the challenges teachers face and the misconceptions about their roles.
Building Community Through Movement: A Conversation With Amber Reynolds
1y ago · 18:34
Physical Education teacher Amber Reynolds shares how she builds an inclusive, supportive environment at Summit View Elementary, turning gym class into a space for every student to shine.
Bringing Both Sides of the Table Together: A Conversation With Leo Brehm
1y ago · 47:43
In this episode, Leo Brehm, an experienced leader from the Massachusetts educational landscape, discusses how technology, strategic investments, and community feedback shape innovative and effective K–12 education.
Fostering Constructive Chaos: A Conversation With Lisa DeLapo
1y ago · 32:25
Welcome to Season 2 of the Active Listener Podcast, hosted by Dominique Johnson-Lindsay. In this enlightening session, Dominique welcomes Lisa DeLapo, the Information and Instructional Technology Director at Union School District, San Jose, California. Join us as Lisa shares her journey from the medical field to education, detailing her path to becoming a tech director. Listen in as Lisa discusses her experiences during the pandemic, how technology reshaped educational practices, and which tools are here to stay. Discover the unique makerspaces at Union School District, designed to inspire cre
Educing Excellence In K-12 Education: A Conversation With Pat O'Connor
1y ago · 30:55
Activating Technology in K-12: A Conversation With Erica Lopez
1y ago · 27:06
Reimagining Sound in the Classroom: A Conversation With Azalea Fauveau Williams
1y ago · 14:01
Integrating Technology In A Rural District: A Conversation With Willie Thomas III
2y ago · 27:58

Episodes

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Active Listener, a Lightspeed Podcast

Episodes 33

Prepared, Not Afraid: A Conversation on School Safety with Pat Hamilton

Preparing Students for a World We Can't Predict: A Conversation With Dr. Annalies Corbin

Purposeful Technology In Schools: A Conversation With Jesse Lubinsky

Teaching With Heart, Leading With Backbone: A Conversation With Alex Schmitt and Nicole Schmitt

True Classroom Management Is Relationship Management: A Conversation With Dena McNeal

Music, Listening, and The Brain: A Conversation With Jessica Phillips-Silver

The Impact of Career and Technical Education: A Conversation With Dr. Joe Jones and Dr. TJ Vari

Inclusion In Action: A Conversation With Brittany Hebert and Amy Salera

Listening Beyond the Classroom: A Conversation With Tiffany Jordan

A New Definition of Student Success: A Conversation With Dr. Andrea Trotter

From Insight To Action: Season 3 Intro With Host Dominique Johnson-Lindsay

Experiencing Aha Moments As An Education Leader: A Conversation With Sharyn D'Eon

Enhancing Instructional Strategy with Technology: A conversation with Dr. Matthew Woods

Grounding School Culture in Student Voice: A Conversation With Dr. Lisa Dailey

Connecting Trust to School Safety: A Conversation With Craig Straw

Challenging The Safety-Education Landscape: A Conversation With John McDonald

Learning With An Entrepreneurial Mindset: A Conversation With Katy Kollasch

Teaching Like They're Yours: A Conversation With Regina Johnson

Building Community Through Movement: A Conversation With Amber Reynolds

Bringing Both Sides of the Table Together: A Conversation With Leo Brehm

Fostering Constructive Chaos: A Conversation With Lisa DeLapo

Educing Excellence In K-12 Education: A Conversation With Pat O'Connor

Activating Technology in K-12: A Conversation With Erica Lopez

Reimagining Sound in the Classroom: A Conversation With Azalea Fauveau Williams

Integrating Technology In A Rural District: A Conversation With Willie Thomas III

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Episodes 33

Prepared, Not Afraid: A Conversation on School Safety with Pat Hamilton

Preparing Students for a World We Can't Predict: A Conversation With Dr. Annalies Corbin

Purposeful Technology In Schools: A Conversation With Jesse Lubinsky

Teaching With Heart, Leading With Backbone: A Conversation With Alex Schmitt and Nicole Schmitt

True Classroom Management Is Relationship Management: A Conversation With Dena McNeal

Music, Listening, and The Brain: A Conversation With Jessica Phillips-Silver

The Impact of Career and Technical Education: A Conversation With Dr. Joe Jones and Dr. TJ Vari

Inclusion In Action: A Conversation With Brittany Hebert and Amy Salera

Listening Beyond the Classroom: A Conversation With Tiffany Jordan

A New Definition of Student Success: A Conversation With Dr. Andrea Trotter

From Insight To Action: Season 3 Intro With Host Dominique Johnson-Lindsay

Experiencing Aha Moments As An Education Leader: A Conversation With Sharyn D'Eon

Enhancing Instructional Strategy with Technology: A conversation with Dr. Matthew Woods

Grounding School Culture in Student Voice: A Conversation With Dr. Lisa Dailey

Connecting Trust to School Safety: A Conversation With Craig Straw

Challenging The Safety-Education Landscape: A Conversation With John McDonald

Learning With An Entrepreneurial Mindset: A Conversation With Katy Kollasch

Teaching Like They're Yours: A Conversation With Regina Johnson

Building Community Through Movement: A Conversation With Amber Reynolds

Bringing Both Sides of the Table Together: A Conversation With Leo Brehm

Fostering Constructive Chaos: A Conversation With Lisa DeLapo

Educing Excellence In K-12 Education: A Conversation With Pat O'Connor

Activating Technology in K-12: A Conversation With Erica Lopez

Reimagining Sound in the Classroom: A Conversation With Azalea Fauveau Williams

Integrating Technology In A Rural District: A Conversation With Willie Thomas III

Podcast 森辺一樹のグローバル・マーケティング〜すべてはアジアで売るために〜